10 Keywords of Volunteerism in Korea 2025 (Part 2)

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Top 10 Keywords from Korea’s 2025 Volunteerism Trend Report (Photo by Milly) 

South Korea faces diverse social challenges, including low birth rates, population aging, regional decline, deepening inequality, and the climate crisis. Among the ways to address these issues, volunteerism plays a crucial role in driving positive social change and keeping society healthy.

 

In particular, the active engagement of younger generations - who are familiar with digital tools and artificial intelligence - combined with the experience and know-how of older generations, and the collaboration of companies and institutions, is creating a richer and more diverse culture of volunteering than ever before.

 

In this article, following Part 1, we will introduce five more volunteerism trends highlighted in the “Volunteer 2025” report published by the Korea Volunteer Culture Association.

 

⑥ The Expansion of Eco-Friendly Volunteering

 

Korea has recently experienced one of the hottest summers on record. Many people now remark, “This may be the coolest summer we’ll ever have from now on.” Everyone is directly experiencing the effects of the climate crisis.

As a result, eco-friendly volunteer activities are becoming an unavoidable trend. These include plogging (jogging while picking up litter), beachcombing (collecting debris and waste on beaches), and reducing single-use plastics. Such environmentally conscious volunteering practices are not only meaningful but also essential for the future.

 

⑦ Localizing Volunteerism

 

More companies and local communities are working together through volunteerism to tackle regional challenges and enhance sustainability.

In particular, regional decline - caused by depopulation - has become a serious issue in Korea. To address this, companies and communities are collaborating through volunteering efforts.

Rather than limiting volunteerism to simple acts of giving or participation, individuals, organizations, businesses, and communities are building cooperative structures. These efforts generate greater local value, help solve pressing community issues, and encourage people to return and stay connected to local areas.

 

⑧ Globalizing Volunteerism

 

Volunteer activities that begin at the community level often expand to the national level, broadening their impact. Conversely, strategies that originate globally can be localized and adapted to specific regions or countries.

In short, volunteerism transcends borders. By fostering collaboration among nations, volunteerism can generate positive influence not only at the local or national level but also worldwide.

With global interest in Korean culture continuing to rise, Korea’s creative and unique volunteer practices have the potential to inspire people across the globe. At the same time, Korea can learn from advanced global cases of volunteerism, adapt them locally, and expand its impact further.

 

⑨ Corporate ESG Management and Volunteerism

 

Corporate volunteering is no longer just a form of social contribution; it has become a core strategy for enhancing corporate value.

Leading Korean companies with strong global recognition are building a culture of ESG management by encouraging employees to participate in volunteer activities.

Since ESG management requires collaboration across the entire organization, fostering a culture of volunteerism within a company is, in itself, a practice of ESG values.

Through volunteerism, employees develop a stronger sense of belonging and pride, while consumers gain trust in companies that genuinely fulfill their social responsibilities.

 

⑩ The Impact of Volunteerism

 

Volunteerism is no longer interpreted solely as an act of goodwill. It is now seen as a powerful tool for real social change.

The report highlights cases where corporate volunteer programs have reduced education gaps in remote areas or improved fire-prevention response in communities. These examples demonstrate that volunteerism is not just about “service”, but about driving tangible transformation in society.

 

💓💓Building a Healthy Volunteer Culture in Society

 

The report concludes that recent volunteer trends are “evolving to respect individual diversity, actively embrace digital technologies, and respond quickly to social needs.”

Volunteerism is no longer an activity reserved for a select few - it has become a practical method for solving social challenges and fostering healthy change.

Ultimately, this growing culture of volunteerism can serve as an essential foundation for building a more sustainable society.

 

👉Check out Part 1 as well

10 Key Volunteer Trends in South Korea for 2025 (Part 1)

 

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